Page 12 - Wayne Dispatch Pages

Local 900, Continued from page 6 member, not just local 900,” said
Smith.
ple and give back. I’m doing some- Since Tuesday, August 29th,
thing and I believe in what I do.” Ford has put four offers on the table,
Like Tompkins, Smith was also but no agreement with the UAW has
born and raised in Wayne. been made yet.
“My heart bleeds UAW and I’m a If you wish to support the Local
proud Ford employee. My dad was a 900 with donations, items needed in-
supervisor at Ford. He’s the one that clude: ice, small juices, fresh donuts,
told me to get involved in the union,” variety of chips, variety of snacks,
said Smith. “I love helping and fight- napkins, and ziplock bags (all sizes).
ing for these people. This is not just Pantry needs include: diapers (all
a labor organization, it’s a commu- sizes), pull-ups (2T, 3T, 4T, and 5T),
nity driven organization.” laundry soap, dish soap, paper
UAW Local 900 has hosted and towel, toilet paper, rice, and soup.
participated in events such as: Red You can find the Local 900 Strike
Cross blood drives, food drives, food Amazon wish.
banks, coat drives, back-to-school Local 900 on strike at Ford Motor Company in Wayne. If you have any questions regard-
drive with Hill Crest Bible Church, back parking spots for free, and worked with Local 900 and how ing donations, you can email Ebony
Adopt an Angel with Wayne-Westland Wayne Releaf opened up spots for us they’ve navigated keeping people Kennedy, Community Chair at
Goodfellows, Trunk-or-Treat, Stuff too.” safe,” said Smith. “Local 900 and its Uaw900communityservice@gmail.c
the Bronco, Stuff the Bus, and much The UAW rented four 12-passen- members can’t thank the community om or call the Local 900 at (734)721-
more. ger Ford vans to shuttle passengers. enough for the support they’ve 2530. Two secretaries answer
“The City of Wayne has been fan- “The van had low tire pressure, shown us in this strike.” phones from 8AM - 4PM Monday -
tastic with outpour of support and so I called Jack Demmer Ford and Three of Local 900’s members Friday. You can also come and visit
nothing but generous with making they said we could bring the van to are a part of the Negotiation Team at the Local 900 at 38200 Michigan
donations to help us,” said Smith. Quick Lane and it was fixed for free,” the main table: Dwayne Walker: Ave. in Wayne, which is open 24/7
“There have been so many donations said Smith. “The Jack Demmer fam- Local 900 President, Scott Elliott: during the strike.
to help support the workers - hot ily has been very supportive.” Michigan Assembly Plant Chairman, “Please continue to support the
food, water, pop, snacks. It’s boost Many other businesses and resi- and Mike Beydoun: Skill trades Dis- UAW on strike,” said Smith. “In the
everyone's morale that the strike was dents have stepped up to support trict Committee Person. long run it's going to benefit everyone
needed.” the UAW. Along with members that “Their best interest is for every in the community.”
Businesses like Northside True are volunteering to drive the shuttle
Value Hardware donated items like a vans, walk the line, help in the
tent canopy to keep the rain off mem- kitchen, and make food.
bers, hand warmers, coolers, and “I see how the community of
bug spray. DICK’S Sporting Goods Wayne and Westland has rallied be-
donated two 10x10 canopies. Norm’s hind us. It really makes my heart
Market donated hot dogs. Michigan happy,” said Tompkins.
Holland Meats donated over 200 “We give so much to the commu-
pounds of hamburger. Residents nity, it felt so good for them to rally
have dropped off water and bags of behind us. I’m proud of my commu-
ice. Along with so many other dona- nity for being there for us during this
tions for businesses and residents. strike.”
“We needed to find parking for Emergency responders have also
members and I was worried how we been supporting the UAW.
would move 4,000 members,” said “I can’t say thank you enough to
Smith. “The Club Canton owner of- the Wayne Police Department and
fered us parking in the grass lot and Fire Department for how they’ve

12 · October 2023 · The Wayne Dispatch